Yin Yoga is a meditative exercise aimed at strengthening fascia and connective tissues in the body. It involves floor poses held for a long period. Connective tissues are what surrounds the joint; fascia is also tissues spread throughout the body that helps it keep balance.
These tissues require slow and steady pressure applied to increase flexibility. Yin yoga class involves poses targeted at stimulating and strengthening muscles at the hips, lower spine, inner thighs and the pelvis. Examples of some yoga poses are;
- Meditation Seat
- Seal Pose
- Melting Heart
- Tadpole with Twist
- Shoulder stretch
- Supported Fish
- Caterpillar
- Knees to Chest
Benefits of Yin Yoga to the body
A lot of pressure and strain is exerted on the body every day- keeping up with appointments, waking up early to beat traffic, working two jobs to make ends meet, taking care of a houseful of kids, etc. Engaging in yin yoga gives your body the rest that it needs and also keeps it at the top-notch performance.
Yin yoga also helps with;
- Regulating needed energy in the body
- Increasing body mobility especially of joints and hips
- Lowering stress levels leading to a longer life span
- Improving stamina
- Lubricating and protecting the joints
- Preventing stiff joints and connective tissue in the release of fascia around the body
- Bringing balance to internal organs and system
- Improves the flow of prana through stimulation of meridian.
Healing effects of yin yoga to the mind
Every thing that happens is processed and stored by the mind, whether relevant or not, it just takes it in. Engaging in yin yang gives your mind the time to separate useful information from trash.
Keeping a pose for a long period creates gaps in your mind. Your mind then fills these gaps with events that occurred over time, things you might have ignored and buried are brought back. Feelings of rejection, disappointments, failure and even traumatic events are open for you to reflect on with an objective mind. Your mind now has the ability to separate these suppressed emotions and finally let go and find peace within yourself, healing your mind and giving you a positive mental attitude.
How Yin yoga helps you grow
Yin is a deep cleansing practice with immense physical and emotional benefits. When faced with challenges, anxieties and emotions deplete the body of its much needed energy.
Yin yoga allows you to deal with these emotions and gives you strength to address life issues. Also, engaging in yin yoga keeps you fit and active as your tissues are supple and strong. It creates a connection between your mind and body, giving you balance.
It also increases focus, intuition, releases your inner wisdom, keeps you feeling optimistic and allows you live life to its fullest. Practicing Yin yoga allows you relax the mind and also gives you time to reflect on yourself. It gives you boldness to face your worst fears and gives you a sense of the present ridding you of unnecessary anxieties and trauma.